Need advice on media player and or dacs

If you are more into music than movie special effects, you might consider looking at the Schiit SYN idea.

@tvrgeek , Great suggestion on the Schiit SYN....

@sandrodg73 , For upmixing music from stereo to multichannel (surround music) and involving a Hifi streamer/DAC in the chain, you should perhaps look into an all-analog 'simpler' surround processor like the SYN (400 USD). It has analog inputs, i.e. your can connect a 2 channel HIFI Streamer/DAC analog out --> SYN surround processor/preamp --> upto 5 channels of amplification ---> front/center/surround speakers

Watch this review from Seltzertronics...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HhJeOSN1bY&t=1611s

@deep_333    Ouch 

Thanks for the link. Soooo much crap  out there hard to navigate

Any thoughts on rel s series subs

 I have never bought a sub. I do have some observations over the years having built quite a few on what to pick:

I find low Q sealed subs to blend with the room gain better than ported. Less group delay, no port noise. To me, they sound more precise and better controlled for music. If a HT or with DSP, the response can be mitigated somewhat and for a HT and si-fi special effects, maybe better to go ported to get below 25 or so.  If you don't already have some DSP for the sub, I recommend looking at the DSPeaker Antimode products.  I don't want DSP in my mains, but for the sub it is invaluable.  I find smaller subs 10's or 12's blend with mains better. The more the easier to tune the room.  

SVS and Rel seem to own the market right now. Rhythmic I think maybe should get more attention.  Subs are actually not very difficult so I wonder how much better the above are over maybe a Monoprice?  ( or Rel S over T) Several cheaper ones so each does less excursion may have lower distortion that one otherwise better one.  Just a thought. 

Thanks for your feedback